Belfast Castle Estate

Distance:

2.4 miles

Start Point:

J328791

Finish Point:

J328791

Point of interest:

Belfast Castle, Cave Hill, city views

Nearest town:

Fortwilliam, Belfast

OS map:

Sheet 15 & Belfast Street Finder

Terrain:

Gravel paths steep hills

Route:

From the car park just before Belfast Castle this route follows the blue waymarked “Estate Trail”. Cross the main driveway and take the path that goes down the hill, turning left in front of the castle (outside the security fence). Turn right down past the Adventurous Playground and its car park.

As the main driveway veers to the right, take the small path on the left leading uphill. This will take you past the rear of the Millennium Maze, on the site of the old rose garden. This path will lead you on to another tarmac driveway. Turn left and follow the drive uphill for a short distance. Where the drive veers left, take the gravel path to your right, keeping to the right of the next junction. You will soon come to the Volunteer’s Well on your left with a stream on your right. At the well on your left, continue uphill before taking the second gravel path on your left to begin the descent back towards the castle.

At the next two junctions keep right. Occasionally you will get glimpses of Belfast Castle and the city below through the trees.

This path continues along the back of the castle for some distance, before doubling back on itself and descending on to the main driveway. Turn right and follow the footpath until you reach the main gates to the park.

Watch for traffic as you cross the driveway and take the footpath ahead. This leads back up the hill to the car park, past the sculpture of a peregrine on your right.

Facilities:

Toilets and cafe in Belfast Castle (basement). Opening hours apply.

Accessible toilet facilities:

Yes

Accessible terrain:

Gravel paths & steep hills

Publication:

A Walk in the Park, Belfast City Council and Cave Hill Country Park leaflet

Publication availability:

Belfast City Council Parks & Cemetries. Tel 02890726345 x6653

Getting to the start by public transport:

Car Park at Belfast Castle signposted of the Antrim Road. Metro Service 1A-1H (Mon Sat) 1C-1E Sun.